Moving to Vienna

Expats moving to Vienna will get to enjoy one of Europe’s most beautiful and culturally vibrant cities. Austria's capital combines majestic architecture with an abundance of tranquil green space.

Vienna is home to the famous State Opera House, numerous art galleries and corner cafés – all accessible by bike paths which wind their way through Vienna's quaint streets and neighbourhoods.

The Austrian culture can be insular, however. This is why there are so many social groups set up by expats, with groups for interests and identities as various as Australian-Austrians, book lovers, hikers, museums goers, mothers, writers and sports enthusiasts of every kind.

Contrary to what one might think, language is not an insurmountable barrier. The Viennese speak English very well and seem to enjoy practising their skills with expats. That said, there are many opportunities to learn German, and expats who make some effort to master the local language will certainly improve their career prospects.

Finding suitable accommodation in Vienna is no easy task. Housing is generally quite expensive and getting to grips with the property market can be frustrating. For this reason, most expats hire an estate agent to assist them with finding a home. On the plus side, the city is highly accessible and getting around Vienna is easy. Extensive train, tram and bus systems allow expats to traverse Vienna in minimal time. Transportation is on schedule and inexpensive compared to many other cities.

Expats moving to Vienna with children will be pleased to know that the standard of education throughout Austria is excellent. The capital boasts a number of reputable international schools offering various curricula from around the world.

Whether moving alone or as part of a family, expats in Vienna will never run short of interesting things to see and do. Aside from the culturally and historically rich attractions the city offers, thare are also plenty of exciting events throughout the year that are well worth attending.

Expat interviews

"I love Vienna. It’s small enough that it’s so easy to get everywhere and really get to know the city, but also big enough that there’s always something going on, whatever your interests are." Read more about Tessa's expat experience in Vienna.

"I enjoy Vienna very much, it has a special charm that no city back in the States has. The quality of life is great here." For more about life as an expat in Vienna, read Kaitlin's interview about her expat experience.

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